1. Introduction
“I thought the recipe was supposed to be easy, but it was harder than expected…” “I don’t know where I went wrong…” Have you ever had experiences like these?
For beginners, judging a recipe’s difficulty level can be surprisingly challenging. However, by keeping a few key points in mind beforehand, you can significantly reduce the risk of failure!
In this article, we’ll introduce 5 checkpoints to determine if a recipe is truly easy.

2. Practical Points and Examples
- “5 Recipe Checkpoints Every Beginner Must Know”
Check these 5 points when looking at a recipe to prevent mistakes!
- ① Are there 5-7 ingredients or fewer?
- The more ingredients, the more preparation and work required.
- Simple ingredient lists make shopping easier and save time!
- ② Is the process simple with 5 steps or fewer?
- Too many steps can lead to confusion.
- A simple flow like “cut → stir-fry → plate” is best.
- ③ Are heat levels and cooking times specifically stated?
- Look for clear instructions like “medium heat for 3 minutes” rather than vague terms like “appropriately” or “keep an eye on it.”
- ④ Does it require any special tools or seasonings?
- Recipes requiring blenders, pressure cookers, or special spices can be more challenging.
- Choose recipes that only need basic items like frying pans, pots, and standard seasonings.
- ⑤ Is it clearly labeled as beginner-friendly or basic?
- Recipes marked as “for beginners” or “basic” often come with more detailed explanations.
Tip: Check these five points – “ingredients,” “steps,” “heat level,” “tools,” and “target audience” for peace of mind!
- “Recipe Examples That Pass These Checks! Safe for Beginners”
If a recipe meets these conditions, you can try it with confidence!
- Oyakodon (Just simmer ingredients and add beaten eggs)
- Vegetable soup (Just cut and simmer, hard to mess up)
- Soboro rice (Just stir-fry and season)
- Mixed rice (Just put ingredients in the rice cooker)
- Hot sandwich (Easy cooking with a toaster or frying pan)
Tip: Start with “one-dish meals” and recipes that “don’t require time pressure”!
3. Important Points and Tips
- “Don’t judge by the recipe title alone!”
→ Always read through the actual ingredients, process, and steps.
- “Skip recipes that require tools or seasonings you don’t have!”
→ Beginners should start with recipes using familiar tools and seasonings.
- “Don’t aim for perfection from the start!”
→ It’s okay if you don’t follow the steps exactly! Focus on enjoying the cooking process.
4. Summary and Next Steps
To avoid mistakes in recipe selection, beginners should first check these 5 key points!
Start by:
- Checking ingredients, steps, heat levels, tools, and target audience
- Try recipes that meet these conditions
- Build experience by cooking without fear of failure
Keep these steps in mind!
Building up small successes will make cooking more enjoyable and lead to faster improvement!